Jeanette Graham Kemp

1925 - 2013

Jeanette Graham Kemp, 88, died peacefully Tuesday, Aug. 13, 2013, at home, surrounded by family. Memorial service: A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday at Broadway Baptist Church. Private interment: Greenwood Memorial Park. Memorials: The family suggests memorials, in lieu of flowers, be made to the Fort Worth Symphony, 330 E. Fourth St., Suite 200, Fort Worth, Texas 76102; the Van Cliburn Foundation, 2525 Ridgmar Blvd., Suite 307, Fort Worth, Texas 76116; The Gladney Center, 6300 John Ryan Drive, Fort Worth, Texas 76132; or Broadway Baptist Church, 306 W. Broadway, Fort Worth, Texas 76104. Born in Dimmitt on July 18, 1925, Jean was the only child of Perry and Nettie Jackson Graham. She grew up on a farm and had many fond memories of her childhood and life in the Panhandle. Jean attended Baylor University and graduated with a bachelor of science degree in 1946. After working briefly in Dallas, Jean married Andrew Jackson "A.J." Kemp on Oct. 1, 1949. They lived in Dimmitt in their early years, raised three children and worked in the farm and livestock business. The family moved to Fort Worth in 1965 when A.J. became vice president and general manager of the Texas Livestock Marketing Association and National Finance Credit Corp. Jean spent the following years devoted to her children, involved with both school and community activities. A.J. and her children were the light of her life. She remained in touch with family and friends in Dimmitt, and made frequent visits through the years. Jean was a faithful member of Broadway Baptist Church and Ray Reimer's Bible Class. Her love of music, especially piano, led Jean to actively support and serve as a board member of the Van Cliburn Foundation and the Fort Worth Symphony. She was a member of the Jewel Charity Ball, River Crest Country Club and Lecture Foundation, and played bridge as much as possible. Jean was preceded in death by her husband, A.J. Survivors: Her children, Andrew Perry Kemp and his wife, Teresa, of Fort Worth, Camille Kemp and her husband, Kevin Menk, of Dallas and Carla Kemp Thompson and her husband, Kelly, of Fort Worth; and grandchildren, Kate, Molly, Perry and George.